Unfortunately coral reefs are not tolerant of temperature changes and ultraviolet radiation.

Global climate change may well affect the viability of reefs, not only from 'locally warmer water' but also through changes in ocean current patterns. Already coral bleaching, a sign of damage to the single-celled algae within the polyps, has occured from warming waters, often from a rise of little as 1oC for a period of 4 weeks.

Other concerns are that overfishing, unsustainable tourism, urban pollution runoff and the global aquarium trade are suggested to contribute to the adverse impact on reefs. These, as well as damage from the Crown of Thorns Starfish and introduced species all contribute... not a great situation...

So, what can you do about it? A bunch of things!

Try to avoid overuse of fertilisers; they eventually make their way to our marine environment via the waterways.